How a North Carolina Work Accident Can Take Away Your Job AND Your Health Insurance

Accidents at work in North Carolina can have dramatic consequences. If your injury qualifies as a work accident, you will be covered by your employer's workers' compensation insurance but these benefits suffer from serious limitations:

• The compensation for your loss of wages is equal to no more than two-thirds of your average weekly wages, capped by a minimum and maximum limit;
• The compensation for Partial Disability pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage during a number of weeks, depending on your impairment rating, even if your disability is permanent;
• Your medical expenses are covered, but you cannot choose your doctor and your treatment, unless you ask and obtain a hearing with the Industrial Commission.

These are some of the reasons why victims of workplace accidents in Gates, Pitt, Camden, Tyrell, Bertie, Washington and Hertford counties often request the support of work accident attorney Joseph Miller who will help them obtain the highest and best compensation possible.

What happens with your own health insurance after a North Carolina work accident?
To make matters worse, many workers and employees in North Carolina have health insurance provided by the employer's group policy. The premiums are paid in full or in part by the employer, as part of their incentive to attract qualified personnel without inflating wages. When an injured employee is unable to work for an extended amount of time, the employer has, unfortunately, the right to cancel the payment of these premiums.

While the injuries resulting from your work accident are covered by the Workers' Compensation Act, you and members of your family may have other medical issues that were covered by your health insurance. Cancelling this policy could therefore have serious consequences.

Your employer must permit you to continue the insurance at your own expense, or you may get coverage at better rates through COBRA. In all cases, it is certainly advisable that you contact a dedicated and experienced North Carolina workers' compensation attorney in order to find out what the best course of action is.

If you have been injured at work, do not hesitate to submit your case to Accidental Injury Advocates Ltd. in Elizabeth City, where attorney Joseph Miller, Esq has been representing injured North Carolina workers for over 20 years. Call us locally 757-455-8889 or toll-free 888-694-7994 or send us an e-mail for a FREE, no commitment discussion of your case.